LGBTQ+ Bars & Venues
The Jersey Shore has been a welcoming destination for the LGBTQ+ community for decades. Asbury Park leads the way with dedicated venues, Pride events, and a thriving year-round scene.
Asbury Park: The Heart of Shore Pride
Asbury Park has been a beacon for the LGBTQ+ community since the 1990s. What started as a quiet revival became a full renaissance, with the community playing a central role in the city's comeback. Today, Asbury Park is one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly beach destinations on the East Coast.
Paradise
The main gay nightclub with DJ nights, drag shows, and legendary dance parties.
Wonder Bar
Home of Yappy Hour and a welcoming LGBTQ+-friendly atmosphere right on the beach.
The Beach
LGBTQ+-friendly section near Convention Hall. Rainbow flags fly all summer.
3
LGBTQ+ Focused
39
Friendly Venues
June
Pride Month
30+
Years of Pride
Asbury Park
All Asbury Park Nightlife →Wonder Bar
Bar
Iconic Asbury Park venue on the boardwalk with live music, a famous dog-friendly "Yappy Hour," and a welcoming LGBTQ+ vibe. Indoor/outdoor space with ocean views and legendary Sunday dance parties.
- ✓Famous Yappy Hour
- ✓Ocean views
- ✓Sunday dance party
- ✓LGBTQ+ landmark
Best For
Tip: Sunday afternoon is the legendary party. Bring your dog to Yappy Hour weekdays.
Paradise
LGBTQ+ Venue
Asbury Park's premier LGBTQ+ nightclub and dance venue. Legendary drag shows, theme nights, and a welcoming dance floor that's been at the heart of the community for decades.
- ✓Legendary drag shows
- ✓LGBTQ+ institution
- ✓Welcoming to all
Best For
Tip: Check their calendar for special theme nights and guest performers.
Georgie & Hornet's
LGBTQ+ Venue
Asbury Park's welcoming LGBTQ+ neighborhood bar with strong drinks, good music, and inclusive vibes. More low-key than Paradise but equally welcoming.
- ✓Welcoming to all
- ✓Great bartenders
- ✓Low-key alternative
Best For
Tip: More relaxed than the clubs - great for conversation.
LGBTQ+-Friendly Venues
These venues aren't specifically LGBTQ+-focused but are known for being welcoming and inclusive.
HQ2 Nightclub
Casino Club
Atlantic City's premier mega-club inside Ocean Casino Resort. A 19,000 sq ft multi-level space with world-class DJs, VIP bottle service, and a Vegas-caliber experience. The hottest club in AC.
- ✓Largest nightclub in Atlantic City
- ✓Top EDM and hip-hop DJs weekly
- ✓Connected to Ocean Casino amenities
Best For
Tip: Book a VIP table for faster entry and better experience. Thursday is industry night with locals.
Bourre
Bar
The beating heart of the Orange Loop. A sprawling Cajun-themed bar and music venue with multiple rooms, live bands, DJs, and a legendary late-night scene. Atlantic City's best alternative to casino nightlife.
- ✓Orange Loop flagship
- ✓Live music almost every night
- ✓Cajun food until late
Best For
Tip: Start here and work your way through the Orange Loop. Check their calendar for touring acts.
The Stone Pony
Live Music Venue
The legendary venue where Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi got their start. Still hosting major acts on the main stage and emerging artists in the smaller room. A rock pilgrimage site and the soul of Asbury Park.
- ✓Springsteen's home venue
- ✓Summer Stage outdoor shows
- ✓Rock and roll history
Best For
Tip: Summer Stage shows are magical - get tickets early. Check for surprise Springsteen appearances.
Bar Anticipation
Bar
The legendary "Bar A" - a Jersey Shore institution since 1981. Massive indoor/outdoor complex with multiple bars, live music stages, volleyball courts, and thousands of 20-somethings every summer weekend.
- ✓Shore legend since 1981
- ✓Volleyball tournaments
- ✓Live bands every weekend
Best For
Tip: Thursday is local's night. Saturday is packed by 10pm - arrive early.
D'Jais
Bar
Ocean Avenue party palace and Belmar's premiere nightlife destination. DJ-driven dance floor, huge outdoor deck with ocean views, and a beautiful crowd. The place to see and be seen.
- ✓Best ocean views in Belmar
- ✓Top DJs
- ✓Sunday Funday legendary
Best For
Tip: Sunday Funday starts at noon. Ocean deck fills up fast on nice days.
Keenan's Irish Pub
Irish Pub
The heart of Wildwood's legendary Irish pub scene. Traditional Irish music sessions, Guinness on tap, and an authentic pub atmosphere that draws crowds all summer long.
- ✓Traditional Irish sessions
- ✓Authentic pub feel
- ✓Legendary in Wildwood
Best For
Tip: Arrive early on weekends - fills up fast. Traditional session Sundays are special.
Annual LGBTQ+ Events
Asbury Park Pride
June celebration with parade, beach party, and events citywide. One of the biggest Pride events in New Jersey.
Yappy Hour
Wonder Bar's famous dog-friendly Sunday afternoon event. Not LGBTQ+-specific but very LGBTQ+-friendly.
Drag Brunches
Multiple venues host drag brunches throughout summer. Check Paradise and local restaurants for schedules.
Winter Events
The scene continues year-round with holiday parties, themed nights, and community events.
Tips for Visiting
Stay in Asbury Park
The Asbury Hotel and Asbury Ocean Club are walking distance from everything. Both are LGBTQ+-welcoming properties.
The Beach Scene
The LGBTQ+-friendly beach section is near Convention Hall. Look for the rainbow flags. Very welcoming and social.
Beyond Asbury
Most shore towns are welcoming, though Asbury has the most dedicated scene. Atlantic City is also notably inclusive.
Year-Round Scene
Unlike many shore towns, Asbury's LGBTQ+ scene is active year-round. Paradise and local bars keep the party going.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Asbury Park LGBTQ+ friendly?▼
Absolutely. Asbury Park has been a welcoming destination for the LGBTQ+ community since the 1990s. It's one of the most inclusive beach towns on the East Coast with dedicated venues, Pride events, and a designated LGBTQ+-friendly beach section near Convention Hall.
What is Paradise in Asbury Park?▼
Paradise is Asbury Park's main LGBTQ+ nightclub, featuring DJ nights, drag shows, and dance parties. It's been a cornerstone of the Asbury gay scene for years and draws crowds from NYC and Philadelphia.
When is Asbury Park Pride?▼
Asbury Park Pride typically takes place in June. The celebration includes a parade, beach party, and events at venues throughout town. The entire summer features LGBTQ+ events and programming.
Are there LGBTQ+ venues outside Asbury Park?▼
Asbury Park has the most concentrated scene, but many venues across the shore are LGBTQ+-friendly even if not LGBTQ+-focused. Atlantic City's casino clubs and some Cape May establishments are notably welcoming.
Explore Asbury Park
Discover everything Asbury Park has to offer beyond nightlife.